quote:THE three best footballers in the world - Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez - took time out from training at Celtic Park tonight to pass on their best wishes to Celtic on this, the 125th anniversary of the club´s formation.

quote:Today, I am diverting slightly from the main theme of this blog, but the circumstances may just allow such diversion. Celtic have just progressed into the 'knock-out' stages of the Champions League? and this is indeed a great achievement, taking into consideration, at the same time, all the surrounding circumstances. All players have helped a lot and in a team effort, everyone is important. There is, however, one player, that deserves to be mentioned separately and extensively: Georgios Samaras.

Georgios is now nearing his fifth year at Celtic Park. He has been an integral part of the team, for many different reasons. His sporting abilities cannot be questioned. He is a great football player, with great technique and skills, stamina and strength. These elements have been recognised by all his managers and many of his fans around the world. But athletic ability only does not always offer completeness in a player. The mental strength, the attitude, the character and the human element in a player's nature, all contribute, in my opinion, towards the overall performance on the pitch.

Football players are human beings like everybody else. They are subject to the same feelings as everybody else. They have to deal with enormous stress, which does not always derive just from the Media or the fans, but, sometimes, even from within the club they play for. Expectations are high, at this level and sometimes such expectations are short lived. The players' remuneration, some would argue, does not justify a weak character, or any latitude for errors or omissions. True, but if the player is weak inside, his football would suffer on the pitch.??

There is no doubt as to why Georgios has been successful with Celtic. First of all, Georgios has people around him that he could trust. He always listens to what it is being said and respects people's opinions. He is well-mannered, discreet and well liked amongst his fellow colleagues at Celtic. He commands respect, because he respects everybody. He treats everybody the same and he never asks for anything in return. He has a golden heart and cares about his cause. This last element is something that you cannot identify very often in a player's character. Georgios cares about Celtic and what the club stands for. And this is something that it could not be replaced with any contract or any remuneration.

Georgios is part of Celtic, its history, the city of Glasgow and the sporting ideals this great club represents. He is part of the community and his love for the club and its fans is unconditional and genuine. Georgios, in my view, represents Celtic, because Georgios knows and understands what Celtic Football Club is about. Georgios is a true Celt....